Do not give up

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

 

“And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9

 

A RIGHT TIME TO SOW

No one who lives for Jesus will have an easy life. But everyone who lives for Jesus should have a joyful life. There are times in our Christian life when all we do is sow - praying for someone, witnessing to someone, attempting to reconcile with someone, working through problems with someone, etc. This can be incredibly difficult work. It often is painful and less than satisfying. It is all duty and no delight. At times it feels like the tools aren’t working, the soil is too hard and the rain is never coming. Still, you press on, because it’s the right time to sow. Faithfulness is the steadiness and stubbornness of conviction that comes from knowing the will of God. But discouragement can still come simply due to the strain and heaviness of the work. Faintness, weariness and frustration are very much present and to be battled against where little to no fruit is seen when compared to the large, long work of sowing that has taken place. 

 

A RIGHT TIME TO REAP

There’s a right time to sow and there’s a right time to reap and they are not simultaneous. Many times we do something the result of which we believe we’ll see instantly and dramatically. Many times the vision God has given us seems further and further away from the reality we’re living in. But there’s a right time to wait as well. When what we do doesn’t produce what we thought it would, we must not grow weary in doing good. By remembering that all our work done for God is done through Jesus, we recognize that our labor is never in vain and never without consequence. He will bring his work to completion. And when he does, we must give thanks. Reaping should be an act of thanksgiving, which is the disposition of a humble heart. There’s no arrogance in one who depends on elements out of his control for his success. Likewise, in the heart of the Christian, there is no pride, but rather humility that boasts in God by giving thanks for his endless flow of grace and power. He makes all things possible.

 

DO NOT GIVE UP

Write - If God has given you a vision, write it down. But remember, the vision doesn’t depend on you. Though you and I are called to labor faithfully, the success of it all is in God’s hand and in His timing. As you write you may find yourself being encouraged and being reminded of things you had forgotten.

 

Remember - If you have already written the vision down, go back and read it again. Also, remember Scriptures and prophetic words God has spoken through in the past.

 

Pray - Make sure to set time aside to pray for God's grace. Grace means you can’t, so pray, pray, pray!  

 

Ask - The best way to guard your heart against discouragement, anger and bitterness is to continually ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Make it a habit.

 

Talk - Find a friend. Just being heard by someone you trust can bring you critical relief, peace and encouragement. When necessary, friends should gladly help carry each other’s burdens.